SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, March 23, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — A Utah man was killed and his wife seriously injured in Wednesday’s terror attack in London.
Bountiful resident Kurt W. Cochran, 54, and his wife, Melissa, were in Europe celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary, according to family members who released a statement to the media by way of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Saints.
“Our family is heartbroken to learn of the death of our brother- and son-in-law, Kurt W. Cochran, who was a victim of Wednesday’s terrorist attack in London,” wrote family member Clint Payne. “Kurt was a good man and a loving husband to our sister and daughter, Melissa. They were in Europe to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, and were scheduled to return to the United States on Thursday. Melissa also received serious injuries in the attack, and is being cared for in the hospital. We express our gratitude to the emergency and medical personnel who have cared for them and ask for your prayers on behalf of Melissa and our family. Kurt will be greatly missed, and we ask for privacy as our family mourns and as Melissa recovers from her injuries.”
Shantell Payne, Cochran’s sister-in-law, also commented on the family tragedy and left the following message on Facebook Wednesday morning.
“With a heavy heart I must pass the sad news of our beautiful brother, father, husband, son and friend Kurt Cochran, he could not overcome the injuries he received in the London terror attacks.
“This pain is so heart wrenching and raw it has rocked our family and all that knew him to its core.
“We will miss Kurt beyond words. We love you Kurt. RIP. Melissa Payne Cochran is in the hospital with a broken leg, rib and a cut on her head but will recover from her injuries. Sending all the love to her for a quick recovery.”
Media accounts in England say Cochran was knocked from the Westminster Bridge during the terror attack and landed on a concrete pad below.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for the couple by family members.
The page reads: “They were among the first hit by the vehicle on the Westminster Bridge. It was their last day of a trip to visit Melissa’s parents who are serving as missionaries in the London LDS temple.
“Melissa and Kurt are self-employed, having built a recording studio business from the ground up over the last ten years. During that time they donated their recording and sound skills to the Summerfest celebration in Bountiful, Utah, to local school productions, and many other worthy causes.”
Gephardt Daily will have more on the story as information becomes available.
